In a stunning encounter, divers off the coast of British Columbia found themselves in the middle of a pod of Steller sea lions. Dozens of the animals, which can weigh up to a ton, swam around the divers, weaving through their legs as they hovered in the water, filming the encounter.

Male sea lions, or bulls, battle each other for space and access to females, and can go 40 days without food in order to maintain their position.

First, one bull approached him, toothy mouth open, blowing bubbles.

Male sea lions “usually blow bubbles to say ‘I’m the boss,’” says Gregory, referring to this initial encounter.

“On the face of it, they’re a little threatening. After all, you're surrounded by a group of